BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam//NONSGML v1.0//EN NAME:PhD defence H.T. Holmgaard METHOD:PUBLISH BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20260325T134500 DTEND:20260325T151500 DTSTAMP:20260325T134500 UID:phd-defence-h-t-holmgaard@8F96275E-9F55-4B3F-A143-836282E12573 CREATED:20260925T022608 LOCATION: SUMMARY:PhD defence H.T. Holmgaard X-ALT-DESC;FMTTYPE=text/html:

Free Church Identity & Conversion

Converts offer a new perspective on the identity of free churches in secular Denmark

The research focuses on the life stories of people who have converted to Christianity from a sec ular background. According to the researcher, this group has often be en understudied in previous studies. By focusing on their experiences , a more nuanced picture emerges of how church identity is experience d and shaped in practice.

The study shows that for many convert s, the church is primarily experienced as a community that develops a round a shared experience of God. According to the research results, this experience forms the core of the community and distinguishes it from other social contexts. Believers describe God as personal, lovin g, and actively present in their lives, an experience that is shared and strengthened within the church community.

This identity is primarily expressed through concrete practices. Sung worship, prayer, Bible reading, and catechesis appear to be important ways in which b elievers express their faith and strengthen their bond with the commu nity. These activities function not only as religious rituals but als o as moments where a sense of community and faith experience converge .

Use of Spaces
A striking finding is that church identity also plays a role in the way spaces are used. Accordi ng to the research, believers often transform ordinary, secular space s—such as rented halls or multifunctional buildings—into temporar y sanctuaries. At the same time, social spaces emerge where people wi thout a religious background can explore faith.

Connectedness w ithin churches appears to be less based on clear boundaries between " inside" and "outside." Instead, it revolves around a shared orientati on toward a spiritual center, shaped by shared practices, ethical sta ndards, and the active involvement of members.

The research als o has broader societal significance. By showing how people from secul ar backgrounds develop their faith, the study nuances the often simpl istic view of conversion that exists within some Pentecostal-charisma tic circles. Conversion rarely appears to be a sudden shift, but rath er a process in which personal experiences, community, and daily prac tices combine to form a new identity.

According to Holmgaard, t his insight helps us better understand how religious communities func tion in modern, secularized societies—and how they provide space fo r people seeking meaning and community.

More information on the thesis

DESCRIPTION: Free Church Identity & Conversion

Converts offer a new perspective on the identity of free churches in secular Denmark

Theologian Henrik Holmgaard's research on converts in Pentecosta l-charismatic churches in Copenhagen shows that church identity in th ese communities is primarily shaped by shared religious experiences a nd daily practices. The study thus sheds new light on the role of fre e churches in a highly secularized society like Denmark.The research focuses on the life stories of people who have converted to Christian ity from a secular background. According to the researcher, this grou p has often been understudied in previous studies. By focusing on the ir experiences, a more nuanced picture emerges of how church identity is experienced and shaped in practice.The study shows that for many converts, the church is primarily experienced as a community that dev elops around a shared experience of God. According to the research re sults, this experience forms the core of the community and distinguis hes it from other social contexts. Believers describe God as personal , loving, and actively present in their lives, an experience that is shared and strengthened within the church community.This identity is primarily expressed through concrete practices. Sung worship, prayer, Bible reading, and catechesis appear to be important ways in which b elievers express their faith and strengthen their bond with the commu nity. These activities function not only as religious rituals but als o as moments where a sense of community and faith experience converge .Use of Spaces
A striking finding is that church identity also plays a role in the way spaces are used. According to t he research, believers often transform ordinary, secular spaces—suc h as rented halls or multifunctional buildings—into temporary sanct uaries. At the same time, social spaces emerge where people without a religious background can explore faith.Connectedness within churches appears to be less based on clear boundaries between "inside" and "o utside." Instead, it revolves around a shared orientation toward a sp iritual center, shaped by shared practices, ethical standards, and th e active involvement of members.The research also has broader societa l significance. By showing how people from secular backgrounds develo p their faith, the study nuances the often simplistic view of convers ion that exists within some Pentecostal-charismatic circles. Conversi on rarely appears to be a sudden shift, but rather a process in which personal experiences, community, and daily practices combine to form a new identity.According to Holmgaard, this insight helps us better understand how religious communities function in modern, secularized societies—and how they provide space for people seeking meaning and community.More information on the thesis END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR